John Tchicai Obituary

COPENHAGEN (AP) - Danish saxophonist and pioneer of free jazz in Europe, John Tchicai, has died. He was 76.

Tchicai moved to New York in 1963 and co-founded The New York Contemporary Five with Archie Shepp. He later became a leading figure of the jazz avant-garde movement in Europe. He also played with John Coltrane, Milford Graves, Carla Bley and Steve Swallow.

Tchicai was born to a Danish mother and a Congolese father in Denmark. He returned to Europe in 2001 and eventually settled in southern France.

His former wife, Margriet Naber, said Monday that he had died in the hospital earlier that day. No cause of death was given but Tchicai has been in a coma since suffering a brain hemorrhage in June.

COPENHAGEN (AP) - Danish saxophonist and pioneer of free jazz in Europe, John Tchicai, has died. He was 76.

Tchicai moved to New York in 1963 and co-founded The New York Contemporary Five with Archie Shepp. He later became a leading figure of the jazz avant-garde movement in Europe. He also played with John Coltrane, Milford Graves, Carla Bley and Steve Swallow.

Tchicai was born to a Danish mother and a Congolese father in Denmark. He returned to Europe in 2001 and eventually settled in southern France.

His former wife, Margriet Naber, said Monday that he had died in the hospital earlier that day. No cause of death was given but Tchicai has been in a coma since suffering a brain hemorrhage in June.

Guest Book Highlights

"We were privileged to hear him at the Baden-Baden jazz festival in the late 60's and he played with us...it was a great time, and a profound period in unknown proportions. Thanks John Tchicai for remaining true to yourself. Becky Friend - jazz flute"

"A kind soul who created beautiful music throughout his career. A loss, but he did have a chance to be heard!"- Larry Blood (Santa Cruz, CA)

"I would like to offer my condolences to the family. No doubt, Mr. Tchicai's contribution to the music world had an impact on many and he will be missed. May God strengthen and comfort you in your time of loss."- Daniel (IL)